If you are a music artist and want to grow on YouTube, getting an Official Artist Channel is a smart step. It helps you look professional, brings all your music in one place, and builds trust with fans. This guide will explain how to get an OAC step by step.
What Is an Official Artist Channel?
An Official Artist Channel is a special kind of YouTube channel given to music artists. It brings your songs, albums, music videos, and artist content into one clean channel. It also helps fans find you easily when they search. When people visit your page, they know it's really you and not just a fan account.
Why Music Artists Need an OAC
If you are serious about your music career, an OAC is important. It makes your channel look verified and real. Here are a few reasons artists should get an OAC:
All your music shows in one place, including official videos and audio tracks
Fans can find you faster in search results
You show up on YouTube Music
Your channel becomes more trusted by fans and labels
You have one clean profile that grows your brand
You get better features than a normal YouTube channel
Requirements for Getting an Official Artist Channel
Before applying for an OAC, make sure you meet these rules:
1. You must have your own YouTube channel
This channel should have your artist name, and you should upload your own content, like freestyles, songs, or vlogs.
2. You must release official music through a distributor
You must release at least one track using a distributor such as:
DistroKid
TuneCore
CD Baby
RouteNote
Amuse
Your music must be available on YouTube Music. When this happens, YouTube will make a "Topic Channel" for you automatically.
3. Your YouTube channel name should match your artist name
Make sure your YouTube channel and the name in your music release are the same. This helps YouTube confirm your identity.
4. You must have a Topic Channel
This is the auto-created channel by YouTube when your distributor uploads your music. The name looks like "Artist Name - Topic."
5. Your channel must follow YouTube rules
You cannot have copyright strikes or upload other people's content. Your content must be original or officially licensed.
Steps to Get an Official Artist Channel
Follow these steps once you meet all the requirements:
Step 1: Release Your Music
Upload at least one song using a music distributor. Be sure to select YouTube Music as one of the platforms during release. Wait until your music goes live and your Topic Channel appears.
Step 2: Prepare Your YouTube Channel
Make your channel look clean and professional:
Use your exact artist name
Add a clear profile photo and banner
Link your Instagram, Spotify, and other platforms
Organize your videos using playlists
Upload some extra content like behind-the-scenes videos or song previews
Step 3: Find Your Topic Channel
Search for your Topic Channel on YouTube by typing "Your Artist Name - Topic." Copy this link, as you will need it to apply.
Step 4: Request Your OAC Through the Distributor
Most music distributors offer a way to request an OAC. Each one has its own method:
DistroKid:
Log in to your DistroKid account
Go to "More Tools" and click "YouTube Official Artist Channel"
Fill out the form with your main channel link and your Topic Channel link
TuneCore or CD Baby:
Log in and contact their support
Share your YouTube channel link, Topic Channel link, and artist name
They will send your request to YouTube
Step 5: Wait for Approval
It usually takes two to four weeks. YouTube will review your request. If approved, your YouTube channel will change to an Official Artist Channel. All your music and videos will appear under one name.
Want to Know the requirements for OAC, read here
Extra Tips Before You Apply
Do not upload the same song twice (once as video and once as audio)
Make sure your channel name and artist name match exactly
Avoid using stolen beats or copyrighted content
Stay active by uploading regularly
Remove fake or unrelated content before applying
Final Words for Artists
If you want your music to look real and professional on YouTube, apply for an Official Artist Channel. It helps fans trust you, makes your page cleaner, and gives you more power on YouTube and YouTube Music.
Start by releasing your track through a trusted distributor. Then follow each step in this guide. Once approved, your channel will stand out, and your music career will feel more official.
For YouTube promotion, check the best YouTube promotion company in USA.
